True or False: Mother cottontail rabbits remain on their nests with their young most of the day, only leaving long enough to eat.

• A. True
• B. Sometimes true
• C. Not sure
• D. False

Answer: (D)

Rabbits, including cottontails, are not nest-sitters; the mother typically leaves the nest for long periods to forage and only returns briefly to nurse the kits. Nursing bouts are short, usually just a few minutes, and she may visit at dawn or dusk rather than staying on the nest all day. This pattern helps keep the family hidden from predators. So the idea that the mother stays on the nest with the young most of the day is not accurate. In practice, if you encounter a nest with young, observe from a distance and avoid disturbing them; if there’s any concern about abandonment, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.